Legends of the Old West PINKERTONS Ep. 3 | “James McParland: A Murder in Idaho”
13 snips
Aug 6, 2025 Dive into a gripping murder case from 1906, where detective James McParland battles political tension and ethical dilemmas while investigating the assassination of former governor Frank Steunenberg. Experience a high-stakes confrontation with a death row inmate, revealing psychological manipulation at its finest. The courtroom drama unfolds with intense legal maneuvers and internal betrayals, as McParland's legacy becomes a complex tale of fame versus true achievement. This captivating narrative blends intrigue, justice, and historical context.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
McParland Returns To Fieldwork
- James McParland traveled to Boise in 1906 because he wanted to return to fieldwork after decades of management at Pinkerton.
- His arrival set the stage for the high-profile assassination investigation of Frank Steunenberg.
Steunenberg's Fatal Explosion
- Frank Steunenberg was blown apart by an explosive at his gate on December 30, 1905 and died within 20 minutes.
- The brazen assassination shocked Caldwell and triggered a statewide manhunt and reward.
Labor Conflict Framed The Murder
- Authorities suspected the Western Federation of Miners had plotted the assassination because Stunenberg had used the National Guard against union members.
- That political context turned the murder into a conspiracy case, not just a lone bombing.
